New Handbook of Composition: Rules and Exercises.

Early printing of the most theoretical principles and practices of composition. 16mo, original wrappers. With a full page inscription from Raymond Chandler, which reads, "This book is interesting, partly because it was published in 1926, and many of the things I disliked are now standard, some of course are objectionable, or borderline or low-grade but used widely just the same. It depends on the place, the people, the style. Sometimes a barbarism (          ) drives out the proper word. But who can stop the flow of language- even it is ugly RC Sept 1957 La Jolla." From the library of Raymond Chandler with his library stamp to the front free endpaper: Raymond Chandler 6005 Camino de la Costa La Jolla, California OCT 13 1949. Raymond Chandler was a pivotal figure in 20th-century American literature, renowned for his contributions to the hardboiled crime genre. His work, particularly through the chronicles of private detective Philip Marlowe, provided a nuanced examination of moral ambiguity, societal corruption, and the complexities of justice. Chandler’s novels, including The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely, explored themes of class, power, and alienation, while also engaging with the conventions of noir fiction. Marked by its economy of language and careful attention to atmosphere, his writing elevated the detective genre, merging literary qualities with the structural elements of crime fiction. His literary legacy remains central to ongoing academic discourse in the fields of literature, cultural studies, and criminology. Chandler moved to California in the 1920s, eventually settling in La Jolla, a coastal community in San Diego County. His time in California, particularly in La Jolla, had a significant influence on his writing. The stark contrast between the region’s natural beauty and the social complexities of its urban centers shaped the settings and themes in his works. In very good condition. An exceptional inscription.